Guidelines on Exercise For Those With/At Risk for Lymphedema

bump for Falconer

And I'll jump in with another bump

Thanks for bumping this thread up to keep it active. I'm finally starting light exercise after major revision surgery. I have LE and have to be very careful. May have to get sleeves to exercise due to new swelling but hopefully not.

Printing these out for reference guides.

Scottie

Badger - Thanks again.

I am going to meet with a trainer to create a personal exercise plan, Monday morning. I know I need to inform him/her about the bc and to tell him/her that my MO wants me to keep walking, but to add other low-impact and weight bearing exercises. I have a question about me: should I be wearing a lymphedema sleeve for any of these exercises? Only my RO has spoken to me about the possible risks of lymphedema and even he hasn't said what my particular risks may be. All he has suggested I do is wear gloves when I am outdoors working, be careful not to cut the right hand/arm and to wear a medic alert bracelet that states I have a lymphedema risk and that no BP or needles for right arm.

I have downloaded both of the handouts and can take the trainer one with me. Anything else I should take, say or ask?

Yup, I agree with MinusTwo - never exercise without a sleeve and gauntlet! Not good news afterward.

Finally, at 6-month post surgery BS follow-up last Weds., got a referral to trained LE physical therapist and had 1st appointment yesterday. They spent an hour evaluating & measured surgical arm for a baseline. Discussed the use of sleeve & gauntlet - perhaps in the future, especially if more strenuous exercise or longer flights. No signs of lymphedema yet - my concern was not having full range of motion in surgical arm. We practiced some gentle stretching exercises to start with & received handouts for these to do at home. Next visit is in a week. Glad that I finally got the referral.

bump!

Thank you for the information and inspiration. I'm working on re-strengthening, well, pretty much all of me. Slowly.

bump for Chloe3278

bump! (sending this thread to the top of Active Topics)

Thanks, Falconer,

Thinking and reading about lymphedoma is certainly very sobering. It's also been so hot in the Prairie state lately that I've been limiting my time outside. Take care, everyone

bump for Peregrinelady

bump!